God and Goodness in Harriet Jacobs’ ‘The Life of a Slave Girl
In “The Life of a Slave Girl” by Harriet Jacobs, the concepts of God and Goodness play a significant role in the narrative, shedding light on how these ideas are perceived by both the oppressed and the oppressor. Harriet Jacobs shares her harrowing experiences as a slave in the American South, and her perspective on God and Goodness evolves throughout her story.
For the oppressed, like Harriet, God often serves as a source of hope and solace. She turns to God in her times of despair and finds strength in her faith. In her narrative, she writes, “I went to my little bed, hungry, but in peace. There, I prayed as I had never prayed before” (pg.17). This passage illustrates how the oppressed find comfort and resilience through their faith, viewing God as a source of goodness and a protector in the face of extreme adversity. Additionally, Harriet’s narrative is replete with references to her belief in divine justice. She hopes that God will eventually deliver her from the cruel bondage she endures, and this belief in a just God shapes her decisions and actions throughout the story. Her escape from the oppressive Dr. Flint is a testament to her faith in the goodness of God, as she takes risks to secure her freedom, believing that God is on her side. Harriet grapples with moral dilemmas throughout the story, trying to balance her understanding of what is morally right with the harsh realities of her situation. She strives to maintain her integrity and purity, even in the face of sexual exploitation by her master. Her concept of goodness is deeply connected to her self-worth and her determination to protect her virtue.
On the other hand, the oppressors in the story often use religion and concepts of God to justify their actions and maintain control. Dr. Flint, a prominent figure in the narrative, claims that his oppressive actions are consistent with his Christian faith. He uses religion to rationalize his control over Harriet and her family, highlighting the stark contrast between the oppressor’s interpretation of God and the oppressed. This stark contrast in the interpretation of God and Goodness demonstrates the power of religion and faith as a driving force in the lives of both the oppressed and the oppressor. Also in the book, Harriet Jacobs describes how the mistress of the household, Mrs. Flint, could be both cruel and hypocritical. She would attend church services and appear pious, yet she was a harsh and unkind slave owner. This highlights the inconsistency between religious principles and the actual behavior of the oppressors. For Harriet Jacobs, God is a symbol of hope and a source of strength, while for the oppressors, religion can be twisted to justify cruelty and inhumanity. This duality in the perception of God and Goodness is a central theme in Harriet Jacobs’ narrative and adds depth to the discussion of oppression and resistance.
In conclusion, in “The Life of a Slave Girl,” Harriet Jacobs portrays the complex relationship between the concepts of God and Goodness as perceived by the oppressed and the oppressor. While the oppressed find solace and strength in their faith, the oppressors often manipulate religion to justify their actions. This duality serves as a powerful lens through which to examine the impact of faith and morality in the context of slavery, and it resonates with the themes present in William Blake’s works, where the concept of God and Goodness can be both liberating and oppressive, depending on one’s perspective and actions.